Former Harambee Stars striker has encouraged Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence to consider playing for Kenya instead of England. Spence has been one of Tottenham’s top players in a tough season, sparking talk of an England call-up, but the new England manager, Thomas Tuchel left him out. Djed Spence has been encouraged to represent Kenya instead of England following his omission by Thomas Tuchel. Photo by Rob Newell/Clive Rose. Source: Getty Images The full-back was initially left out by Ange Postecoglou but got a second chance due to injuries in the squad and is now a first-choice defender.
Who is Djed Spence Diop Tehuti Djed-Hotep Spence, born 9 August 2000, is an English professional footballer who plays as a full-back for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Spence is the younger brother of actress Karla-Simone Spence. He was born in England to a Jamaican father and a Kenyan mother. When did Spence join Tottenham Hotspur? On 19 July 2022, Tottenham signed Spence on a five-year deal for a reported £20 million(approximately Ksh3.34 billion). He made his Tottenham debut on 29 August, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–0 win against former club Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Is Spence eligible to play for Kenya? Having been born to a Kenyan mother and a Jamaican father in the United Kingdom, the 24-year-old is still fit to play for Harambee Stars. Has Spence ever played for England? In March 2022, Spence was called up to England’s U21 squad and debuted as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Albania. He has yet to play for the senior team, keeping him eligible for England, Kenya, or Jamaica.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence is mobbed by teammates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur. Photo by Henry Nicholls. Source: Getty Images Atieno explains why Spence should consider Kenya over England The 39-year-old former striker feels Spence should consider playing Kenya’s national team, which is currently under the stewardship of former Manchester United boss Benni McCarthy. Atieno shared his thoughts on Spence’s future in international football, emphasising that Spence could become a major star in Africa if he switched his allegiance away from England. According to Atieno, Spence has been somewhat undervalued in the England setup, which may be limiting his opportunities. He noted that England’s depth of talent has made it difficult for emerging players like Spence to break through.
“I was watching Rio Ferdinand’s interview with Djed Spence on YouTube, and he spoke about his aspirations to play for England. But looking at his situation from a different angle, especially considering the talent he has, I think there’s a real chance for him to shine on the international stage with a different nation,” Atieno told Flashscore. “I’ve followed Djed’s journey closely for the past four years. I first noticed him because we share the same background as South Londoners, and I’ve been keen on his growth. He has Kenyan heritage, and that could be the key to unlocking something special for both him and the Kenyan national team.” Why Tenuka Ranaweera picked Sri Lanka over Harambee Stars TUKO.co.ke had earlier reported on why former Nairobi United star Tenuka Ranaweera chose to play for Sri Lanka instead of Kenya. The 19-year-old chose Sri Lanka over Kenya due to tough competition, seeing it as a chance to honour his father and grandparents.
by Gedion Nzyoki
